ESA85A

Hello,

I have received my medical report from ATOS. I have been placed in the WRAG but I note the form used is an ESA85A and according to the WCA assessment handbook this is the form used for a Support Group recommendation. Is this the case or can it also be used when no face to face medical has taken place? What is 113 as this was mentioned in my report too?

Also, the prognosis is that "work is unlikely in the longer term", why therefore have I been put in the group which is supposed to be given work related activity?! The report also says "client has a significant level of disability" and has "on-going multiple functional problems".

All this being so, do you think I was intended for the Support Group but the DM decided no for some reason?

Would it be worth appealing with a report like this? It seems as if the DWP acknowledge I won't be going back to work any time soon and have real physical problems.

Shirley

Given the nature of the criteria for the two groups of ESA, it is entirely possible to be put in the WRAG when the HCP thinks that work is unlikely in the long term.

If you are thinking of appealing, I recommend that you look at our guide to ESA and see which, if any, of the grounds for being put into the support group is relevant before you appeal, so that you are sure of your grounds for appeal.

Shirley wrote:

Hello,

I have received my medical report from ATOS. I have been placed in the WRAG but I note the form used is an ESA85A and according to the WCA assessment handbook this is the form used for a Support Group recommendation. Is this the case or can it also be used when no face to face medical has taken place? What is 113 as this was mentioned in my report too?

Also, the prognosis is that "work is unlikely in the longer term", why therefore have I been put in the group which is supposed to be given work related activity?! The report also says "client has a significant level of disability" and has "on-going multiple functional problems".

All this being so, do you think I was intended for the Support Group but the DM decided no for some reason?

Would it be worth appealing with a report like this? It seems as if the DWP acknowledge I won't be going back to work any time soon and have real physical problems.

Shirley

Hi S,

The ESA85a, is used in either case of being put in WRAG, or Support Group, without a face to face assessment

I assume the 113 that you mention is an ESA113, this is a questionnaire sent to your G.P., or other treating HCP, re your conditions and limitations.

It is like a mini ESA50, the G.P. fills it in, and returns it to the DWP DM to help him come to a decision regarding an award of ESA.

You can request copy of your ESA113 also.

Also see the thread on the link below :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=vie...id=10&id=66531#66531

cheers

bro58

Thanks Bro,

Would you think that with my prognosis being longer term there is a chance may be allowed to defer the WFIs? And also that my review date might be over 2 years?

One thing I did wonder about is the ATOS assessor put my main problem as CFS when it is actually Fibromyalgia- is this error grounds for appeal alone?

Lastly, if I do appeal, will I be given a medical as I wasn't originally ?

Shirley

Shirley wrote:

Thanks Bro,

Would you think that with my prognosis being longer term there is a chance may be allowed to defer the WFIs? And also that my review date might be over 2 years?

One thing I did wonder about is the ATOS assessor put my main problem as CFS when it is actually Fibromyalgia- is this error grounds for appeal alone?

Lastly, if I do appeal, will I be given a medical as I wasn't originally ?

Shirley

Hi S,

Have a look at the threads on the two links below, re WFI's :

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=vie...id=10&id=66815#66815

www.benefitsandwork.co.uk/forum?func=vie...id=10&id=66717#66717

You could challenge the CFS/Fibro issue, and it would certainly help with your appeal, you could also make a totally seperate complaint to ATOS themselves, however it is important that you clarify how your limitations qualify you for The Support Group, with regard to descriptors, and regulations.

As for a medical, yes you may be required to attend a face to face, if you appealed to be put in the support group.

Shirley, have you looked at all the guides in the orange MEMBERS ONLY area on the left, Re : ESA and appealling?.

cheers

bro58

Thanks for the further clarification, Bro, all help is gladly accepted!

Shirley